Plan to move Stranraer rail station away from old ferry terminal

Provisional plans have been unveiled for the potential development of a new railway station in Stranraer.

Network Rail wants to relocate the existing platform away from a former terminal on the East Pier which saw the last ferry leave nearly 15 years ago.

Architects have produced options for two sites - both of them closer to the town centre and linked to a new mobility hub.

The project - which it is hoped could be delivered for under £5m - would be based on a new modular design concept to deliver a modern and visually-attractive building, and support local regeneration.

The current station is located on a pier at Stranraer harbour.

In 2011, the ferry terminal was relocated along the coast at Cairnryan leaving the facility "feeling remote from the town centre".

Since then, the community has campaigned to relocate the station closer to the heart of Stranraer - currently about 15 minutes' walk away.

Among the key considerations for its replacement have been better connection to the town centre, an improved passenger experience and capacity to accommodate charter trains.

The details of the plan are included in a Network Rail feasibility study.

Matthew Powell, the firm's head of sponsorship, outlined the proposals to the region's transport partnership, Swestrans.

He said they were "keen to move quite quickly" with the latest plans.

Powell added that, having spoken to charter train operators, the distance from the station to the town was a major concern whereas a facility nearer the centre could "bring value" to the area.

He added that they hoped it could be more than just a functional station.

"We are aware from feedback that new stations are not aesthetically pleasing - they can be quite utilitarian-type affairs of a concrete platform and a bus shelter," he said.

"So down in the centre of Network Rail they've come up with this hub station concept to try and give a kit of parts - sort of Ikea style - which have all been architecturally-designed.

"Which means it is actually cheaper for each station that you then do because you can choose from a selection of pre-designed items.

"They're very keen on this clock tower concept to visually anchor the station and give it a sense of place rather than being simply somewhere you can get on and off the train."

Transport Scotland provided funding to Network Rail for a feasibility study to assess the potential relocation of the station.

It has looked at ways in which it could "more effectively serve the requirements of Stranraer's residents, visitors, and businesses".

The relocation is a priority in the region's transport strategy delivery plan.